Gaming PC, laptop, or console - Best choice for gamers

Desktop Gaming PC

Computers are incredibly versatile devices. They can do practically everything - from processing text and creating spreadsheets to video production and modeling. Because of this, they are also good for gaming.

Advantages of a desktop gaming PC

The main advantage of a gaming PC is that it can be purchased in a wide price range. Regardless of whether your budget is $500 or $5,000, you can find gaming equipment for you.

Moreover, if you have limited finances, you can first buy a cheap gaming PC. Once you have saved enough money, you can later upgrade it to a more powerful system.

If money is not an issue for you, desktop systems can be much more powerful than consoles. Since you can choose the components you want to install on your desktop PC, the only thing that can limit you is your imagination and budget.

When it comes to computer games, they offer more possibilities. Although some consoles have exclusive games, they still cannot surpass the large library of Steam and Epic Games.

Some other game launchers have subscription models that allow gamers to download several games for an affordable monthly fee. Although both Xbox and PlayStation also offer subscriptions, you have more choice if you have a PC.

Another thing that computers can do but consoles cannot is act as a productive machine. If your work requires a powerful computer (for example, for video editing, computer-aided design, or modeling), you can also use it as a powerful gaming device.

Disadvantages of a desktop gaming PC

Despite the advantages of a PC, it is still not a straightforward choice in gaming. Firstly, buying a gaming PC that can compete in power with the most popular gaming consoles is much more expensive. This was especially relevant during the shortage of graphics processors from 2020 to 2022 when many video cards were sold at greatly inflated prices.

You will also find yourself at a disadvantage when it comes to exclusive games for consoles. Although Xbox now allows you to play its exclusive games through the Xbox app for Windows, PlayStation games are usually limited to Sony's gaming console.

Although PlayStation Now allows you to stream some games to your computer, this option still requires a fast Internet connection.

Computers can also be complex to assemble and configure. Since you usually deal with different components from different manufacturers, you need to be careful about compatibility.

You also need to install the operating system and have a multitude of drivers for each part you receive. Although you can get a ready-made computer to save yourself the hassle, it usually costs more than just assembling it from scratch.

The best gaming desktop computer of 2024 is the Alienware Aurora R15 (photo: Future)

Gaming Laptop

While gaming PCs are a great option, they are usually not as easy to find. If you like to play games when you're on the go, you might want to consider getting a gaming laptop instead.

Advantages of a gaming laptop

The main advantage of a gaming laptop is its portability. Although they are usually less powerful than their desktop counterparts, even if they have similar specifications, the difference is quite insignificant for most gamers.

Moreover, since laptops have batteries, you can be sure that you won't lose progress in the game if the power suddenly goes out. Thus, you can save your progress and properly finish the game if you lose power.

And if you have a fully charged battery, you'll probably be able to play for another hour before you need to charge it.

Disadvantages of a gaming laptop

When you buy a laptop, you usually can't upgrade it anymore. Although most gaming laptops have some upgradable components, such as expandable memory and the ability to add an additional SSD drive, that's about it.

To get a new graphics card or a more powerful processor, you need to buy a new computer.

You also have limited input/output (I/O) options on a laptop. So if you want to connect multiple peripherals at the same time, such as additional monitors or maybe a full set of gaming controllers including a gaming keyboard, gaming mouse, racing simulator device, and a virtual reality system, you'll need a USB hub.

The best gaming laptop of 2023 is the Asus ROG Zephyrus M16 (photo: NotebookCheck)

Gaming Console

A device originally designed to perform a specific function usually does it well. If you need a machine designed for gaming, many will say you need a gaming console.

Advantages of a gaming console

If you need simplicity in gaming, nothing is simpler than a gaming console. You just need to connect it to your TV and insert a game disc to start playing. If you get a disc-less device, you just need to connect to the internet and create an account.

Consoles are also the most economical when it comes to gaming capabilities. To get a computer of the same power, you would have to spend one and a half to two times more on a console.

Gaming consoles are also great for multiplayer gaming sessions. If a friend comes over or you want to play with your family, you only need one console for local play. Some PlayStation and Xbox bundles even offer two consoles right out of the box.

Disadvantages of a gaming console

However, since a gaming console is designed solely for gaming, that's practically the only thing you'll use it for. While you can use it for internet browsing and watching YouTube videos, a console is not very efficient for these tasks.

If you're a busy person, you'll probably get more use out of a gaming PC, as you can use it for work. But if you buy a gaming console, you'll likely only turn it on on weekends, and the rest of the time it will collect dust.

What are gaming consoles (photo: TechRadar)

What to choose

Which of the three gaming systems is the best? Honestly, there is no straightforward answer to this question. If you're talking about pure power, without considering money, a gaming desktop computer will easily outperform the other two devices.

But if you're looking for a more flexible device - one that you can take with you everywhere - then a gaming laptop is what you need. However, remember that it's not as easy to upgrade as a desktop PC.

Finally, if you want to play and don't need a powerful computer, a gaming console offers the best price-to-quality ratio among the three. Moreover, if you're used to using a keyboard and mouse, you can get them for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series XS.